Sulfone sulfonylimide combinations for advanced battery chemistries

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an electrochemical cell, which may be used for advanced rechargeable batteries. The electrochemical cell comprises two or more electrodes within an electrolyte solution, where the electrolyte solution containing (i) an aliphatic or cyclic sulfone and (ii) a metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/895,623, filed on Sep. 5, 2019, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte and itsrelated aqueous hybrid electrolytes that improve the performance ofadvanced battery chemistries, including Li-ion battery and beyond Li-ionbattery that involve conversion-reaction type cathode materials, as wellas analogous alkali, alkaline earth, transition metal, andpost-transition metal cation chemistries including, but not limited to,sodium, magnesium, zinc, or aluminum ions. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a new combination of salt and solvent chemistriesthat can simultaneously form protective interphasial layers on bothanode and cathode surfaces, allowing for highly reversible batteryoperation.

BACKGROUND

Rechargeable batteries that output high cell voltages (>3.0 V) utilizenon-aqueous and aprotic solvents to dissolve the conducting salts,because these solvents are able to afford the stability against theoxidative or reductive reactions incurred by electrode surfaces ofextreme potentials. Because the electrolyte components are almost neverthermodynamically stable on the strongly reductive surfaces of anode orstrongly oxidative surfaces of cathode, the electrochemical stability israther attained through the passivation of the electrode surfaces toprotect against propagating parasitic reactions. The above passivationis realized by the initial decompositions of the solvent and salt intrace amount and the subsequent deposition of these decompositionproducts which deactivate the catalytic decomposition sites of theelectrode surfaces. Almost universally in all electrochemical devicesthat produce cell voltages higher than 3.0 V, and particularly in Li ionbattery chemistries, certain solvents were developed in the prior artsso that their decomposition products on anode and cathode surfaces areable to form dense and protective interphasial layers. These solventsinclude ethylene carbonate (EC), vinylene carbonate (VC) and other polarand aprotic solvents and/or additives, have become the indispensablecomponents in all commercial Li ion batteries.

However, the passivation formed by the above-described solvents, saltsand/or additives in state-of-the-art electrolytes meets severechallenges when more chemically aggressive, next generation cathode oranode materials are introduced in order to achieve higher energy and/orpower density. Such advanced electrode materials either operate at verydestructive potentials (>4.5 V), experience dynamic phase changes duringeach electrochemical cycle, or involve multiphase reactions.Conventional electrolyte formulations are unable to stabilize thesehighly reactive interfaces, therefore new electrolyte compositions haveto be developed. Certain high-energy-density metal anode electrodematerials suffer from irreversible nature issues (e.g. poor Coulombicefficiency, dendrite formation).

Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop a new electrolytecomposition that would enable advanced battery chemistries. Morespecifically, it is highly desirable to identify a new electrolytesystem which can form passivation layers on both anode and cathodesurfaces that provide robust protection over a wide temperature rangebut are also sufficiently conductive and allow fast kinetics of the cellchemistry.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present disclosure is drawn to an electrochemicalcell, where the electrochemical cell includes two or more electrodesoperably connected to an electrolyte solution, where the electrolytesolution containing (i) an aliphatic or cyclic sulfone and (ii) a metalperfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt having a total molar mass greater than200 g/mol.

In certain embodiments, the aliphatic or cyclic sulfone isTetramethylene sulfone (sulfolane), Trimethylene sulfone (TriMS),1-Methyltrimethylene sulfone (MTS), Ethylmethyl sulfone (EMS),Ethyl-sec-butyl sulfone (EsBS), Ethyl-iso-butyl sulfone (EiBS),Ethyl-iso-propyl sulfone (EiPS), Trifluoropropylmethyl sulfone (FPMS),Dimethylsulfone, Methanesulfonyl fluoride, or a combination thereof Insome embodiments, the electrolyte solution also comprises water.

In certain embodiments, the metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide saltcomprises Li, Na, Zn, Mg, Ca, or Al. In some embodiments, the metalperfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt is Lithiumbis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTF SI), Lithiumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), Sodiumbis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI), Magnesiumbis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Mg(TFSI)₂, Zincbis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Zn(TFSI)₂, or combinations thereof.Optionally, the metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt is present in theelectrolyte solution at a concentration of between 0.1M and 10M.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell includes at least oneseparator, each separator positioned at least partially between two ofthe two or more electrodes. In some embodiments, the separator is aporous polyolefin or glass microfiber separator, a polymer separatorthat is gellable with the electrolytes, or a ceramic or glass solidelectrolyte separator.

In some embodiments, other additives may be included in the electrolytesolution, and may be in the electrolyte solution in an amount of between0.01% and 10% by weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of an electrochemical cell.

FIG. 2A is a graph depicting voltage over time for a Zn/Zn symmetriccell cycling with Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/10.62/3.38 by mol) at roomtemp (˜25 ° C.) with 0.5 mA/cm², 0.5 mAh/cm².

FIG. 2B is a graph depicting voltage over time for a Zn/Zn symmetriccell cycling with Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/10.62/3.38 by mol) at roomtemperature (˜25 ° C.) with 1 mA/cm², 1 mAh/cm².

FIG. 3 is a graph of summarized Zn stripping/plating CE results obtainedfrom Cu/Zn cells with selected electrolytes at room temperature (˜25 °C.).

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the specific discharge capacity (310) andits corresponding CE (320) vs. cycle number of a HNVO/Zn full cell withZn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/10.62/3.38 by mol) tested using 300 mA/gbetween 0.2 and 1.6 V at 30° C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “sulfone” refers to either cyclic or aliphaticorganic molecules in which sulfur (S) is double-bonded with two oxygensand two single-bonded with either aliphatic or aromatic radicals;

As used herein, the term “imides” refers to a salt chemistry in whichthe battery system's charge carrying cation (e.g. lithium) is bondedthrough coulombic interaction to a N-based anion with one or twoaliphatic or aromatic radicals.

As used herein, the term “fluoroalkylsulfonyl imides” refers to a saltchemistry in which the battery system's charge carrying cation (i.e.lithium) is bonded to a N-based anion with one or two aliphatic oraromatic radicals, where the protons on the radicals are partiallyreplaced by fluorines.

As used herein, the term “perfluoroalkylsulfonyl imides” refers to asalt chemistry in which the battery system's charge carrying cation(i.e. lithium) is bonded to a N-based anion with one or two aliphatic oraromatic radicals, where all the protons on the radicals are replaced byfluorines.

As used herein, the term “half cells” refers to a common test platformfor characterizing half of an energy storage device in which theelectrode of interest is typically coupled to an infinite source of theactive cation, such as Li metal for Li-ion systems. “Symmetric cells”are the testing devices in which the cathode and anode couple are thesame metal electrodes. Complementarily, “Full cells” are theconventionally considered devices in which the cathode and anode coupleare capacity matched and performance of both electrodes stronglydictates device performance.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is drawn to an electrochemicalcell. Such cells include but are not limited to, (1) lithium and lithiumion cells that use lithiated transition metal oxides or lithiatedolivine metal phosphate as cathode, and lithium metal, lithium alloys,metal oxides or sulfides, carbonaceous materials as anode; (2) dualintercalation cells in which both cation and anion intercalatesimultaneously into lattices of anode and cathode materials,respectively; (3) cells that use lithium metal, zinc metal, carbonaceousmaterials, silicon, tin and various lithium alloys as anode materials,and metal oxides, metal halides, sulfides and sulfur, and oxygen asconversion-reaction type cathode materials; (4) electrochemical doublelayer capacitors based on various electrode materials of high surfacearea; (5) supercapacitors, and (6) electrolysis cells that producechemical species at extreme potentials. Such cells can be assembledaccording to the procedures are known to those of skill in the art.

The disclosed electrochemical cell can be understood with reference toFIG. 1. As can be seen, the electrochemical cell (100) contains at leasttwo electrodes (110, 115). Typically, one electrode will function as ananode (110) and one as a cathode (115).

In some embodiments, at least one electrode is a negative electrodecomprising an active material that is: (a) lithium metal, (b) a lithiumalloy with other metals such as silicon or tin, (c) a carbonaceousmaterial with various degree of graphitization, (d) a lithiated metaloxide or chalcogenide, or (e) analogous chemistries for other batterycations (Na, Zn, Mg, Ca, Al).

In some embodiments, at least one electrode is a positive electrodecomprising an active material that is (a) a transition metal oxide, (b)a metal halide, (c) a metal phosphate, (d) metal chalcogenides, (e) acarbonaceous material with various degree of graphitization, or (f)sulfur-based cathode materials embedded or confined in various meso-ormicropores of carbon hosts.

The electrodes (110, 115) are operably connected to an electrolytesolution (120), and may optionally have at least one separator (130),where each separator is positioned at least partially between twoelectrodes (110, 115).

The electrolyte solution (120) should contain at least (i) an aliphaticor cyclic sulfone and (ii) a metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salthaving a total molar mass greater than 200 g/mol, both of which will bediscussed in turn, below.

Aliphatic or Cyclic Sulfone

The aliphatic or cyclic sulfone, by itself or with other compounds,functions as the solvent. In some embodiments, the sulfone has thestructure R—SO₂—R′, where R and R′ are independently: (a) hydrogen, (b)a halogen, or (c) a substituted or unsubstituted straight or branchedC₁-C₆ alkyl, alkene, or alkynyl. In some embodiments, the sulfonecomprises at least one fluorine.

The sulfone is more preferably a sulfone selected from those listedbelow in Table 1, or a derivative thereof.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Sulfones. Chemical Name CAS# Structure Tetramethylenesulfone (sulfolane) 126-33-0

Trimethylene sulfone (TriMS) 5687-92-3

1-Methyltrimethylene sulfone (MTS) 24609-83-4

Ethylmethyl sulfone (EMS) 594-43-4

Ethyl-sec-butyl sulfone (EsBS) (N/A)

Ethyl-iso-butyl sulfone (EiBS) 34008-93-0

Ethyl-iso-propyl sulfone (EiPS) 4853-75-2

Trifluoropropylmethyl sulfone (FPMS) 222611-24-7

Dimethylsulfone 67-71-0

Methanesulfonyl fluoride 558-25-8

In some embodiments, one or more sulfones are utilized. Thus, in certainembodiments, the aliphatic or cyclic sulfone is Tetramethylene sulfone(sulfolane), Trimethylene sulfone (TriMS), 1-Methyltrimethylene sulfone(MTS), Ethylmethyl sulfone (EMS), Ethyl-sec-butyl sulfone (EsBS),Ethyl-iso-butyl sulfone (EiBS), Ethyl-iso-propyl sulfone (EiPS),Trifluoropropylmethyl sulfone (FPMS), Dimethylsulfone, Methanesulfonylfluoride, or any combination thereof In some embodiments, two or moresulfones are used.

In some embodiments, variations of the compounds in Table 1 areutilized. For example, in some embodiments, one or more hydrogen atomsin a compound in Table 1 is replaced with a heteroatom, such as ahalogen atom. In some embodiments, e.g., different tail configurationsand/or functional groups (e.g., CF₃, CH₃, etc.) are introduced.

In some embodiments, the aliphatic or cyclic sulfone has a totalmolecular mass >125 g/mol. In some embodiments, the aliphatic or cyclicsulfone has a total molecular mass <100 g/mol.

Metal Perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide Salt

The electrolyte solutions are prepared by mixing one or more of theperfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salts of the active cation in theelectrolytes solution.

The metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt should have a total molarmass greater than 200 g/mol. In some embodiments, the salt has a totalmolar mass >250 g/mol. In some embodiments, the salt has a total molarmass >290 g/mol.

The metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt is preferably a salt selectedfrom those listed below in Table 2, or a derivative thereof.

TABLE 2 Exemplary Perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide Salts. Salt Name CAS #Structure Lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) 90076- 65-6

Lithium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI) 132843- 44-8

Sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI) 100669- 96-3

Magnesium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Mg(TFSI)₂ 133395- 16-1

Zinc bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Zn(TFSI)₂ 168106- 25-0

In some embodiments, the salts may have the formulaM[N(SO₂C_(n)F_(2n+1))(SO₂C_(m)F_(2m+1))]⁻ _(x), where M is an alkalimetal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, or post-transition metal,x is 1, 2, or 3, and m+n are ≥1. Preferred alkali metals include Li andNa. Preferred alkaline earth metals include Mg and Ca. Preferredtransition metals include Ni, Cu, and Zn. Preferred post-transitionmetals include Al and Sn. Thus, in certain embodiments, the metalperfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt may comprise, e.g., Li, Na, Zn, Mg, Ca,or Al. In some embodiments, the metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide saltis Lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI), Lithiumbis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), Sodiumbis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI), Magnesiumbis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Mg(TFSI)₂, Zincbis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Zn(TFSI)₂, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, variations of the compounds in Table 2 areutilized. For example, in some embodiments, one or more hydrogen atomsin a compound in Table 2 is replaced with a heteroatom, such as ahalogen atom.

Optionally, the total metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide saltconcentration in the electrolyte solution is between 0.1M and 10M.

One or more metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salts may be used. In someembodiments, the only salt present in the electrolyte solution is asingle metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt. In some embodiments, theonly salts present in the electrolyte solution are two or more metalperfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salts.

In some embodiments, other additives may be included in the electrolytesolution as known to those of skill in the art. Additives that areenvisioned include co-salts, solid electrolyte interface (SEI)-formingagents, cathode protection agents, salt stabilizers, safety protectagents, corrosion inhibitors, solvation enhancers, and wetting agents,as known to those of skill in the art. The additive may be, e.g., acarbonate such as ethylene carbonate (EC) or vinylene carbonate (VC), ora polar or aprotic solvent. In some embodiments, these additives arepresent in the electrolyte solution in the electrolyte solution in anamount of between 0.01% and 10% by weight, or between 0.01% and 5% byweight.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell optionally includes atleast one separator (130), each separator positioned at least partiallybetween two of the two or more electrodes. In some embodiments, theseparator is a porous polyolefin or glass microfiber separator, apolymer separator that is gellable with the electrolytes, or a ceramicor glass solid electrolyte separator.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell optionally includes atleast one current collector, which may be any appropriate currentcollector as understood by those of skill in the art. For example, thecurrent collector may be a metal foil, such as copper, nickel, titanium,or platinum.

The disclosed solvent/salt combination significantly reducesirreversible losses, limits interphasial impedance growth and enablesthe most challenging cell chemistries with high efficiency and longcycle life. The advanced battery chemistries employing cathode materialsof either very high voltage or very high capacities, or anode materialswith high capacities can benefit from the presence of this unique newcombination of solvent and salt chemistry. Such advanced batteryelectrode chemistries include, but are not limited to, Li-ion batteriesof very high voltages (>4.5 V) such as LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O₂ (LNMO),LiCoPO4 (LCP) or LiNiPO4, Li[Ni_(x)Mn_(y)Co_(z)]O₂ (NMC, including 111,442, 532, 622, 811, etc.) and cathode or anode materials that canprovide extremely high capacities while undergoing extremely dynamicphase changes, such as conversion-reaction-type cathode materials basedon metal oxides or halides, Metal/O₂ chemistries, sulfur-based cathodematerials, as well as graphitic anode materials or those based on analloy-type mechanism such as silicon or tin.

Having described the invention, the following examples are given toillustrate specific applications of the invention including the bestmode now known to perform the invention. They are intended to providethose of ordinary skills in the art with a complete disclosure anddescription of how to make and use the novel solvents and additives ofthis invention. These specific examples are not intended to limit thescope of the invention described in this application.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Novel Electrolyte Solutions

This example summarizes a general procedure for the preparation ofelectrolyte solutions comprising the novel solvent/salt combination.Both the concentration of the active cation salts and the relativeratios between the solvents or salts can be varied according to needs.

The electrolyte solutions were prepared in an Ar-filled glove box withrigorous exclusion of H₂O and O₂ (both <0.1 ppm) to have the followingcomposition: one perfluoroalkylsulfonyl imide salt of the battery'sactive cation or a mixture of multiple of these salts, and a solventsystem that either comprises a neat solvent or solvent mixture ofmembers of the sulfone family (cyclic and/or aliphatic). Theseelectrolyte formulations may contain additives (<5 wt %) or co-salts(50% of total concentration or less) depending on the formulation.

The perfluoroalkylsulfonyl imide salts selected may be of the formLi[N(SO₂C_(n)F_(2n+1))(SO₂C_(m)F_(2m+1))]⁻ where m+n≥1 and include, butare not limited to, lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI),lithium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), or their mixtures atvarying ratios, or their alkali metal ion or alkali earth metal ionanalogs (e.g., sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI)), or multivalentmetal ion (e.g., zinc bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (Zn(TFSI)₂).

The electrolyte formulation consists of the above sulfonylimide salts ortheir mixtures at varying ratios dissolved in different sulfone solventsat different concentrations, which is preferably above 0.1M (higher forLi salts). In some embodiments, the concentration are above 2M.

The electrolyte solvents, mixed with or without water, were selectedfrom the sulfone family and include, but are not limited to,tetramethylene sulfone (sulfolane), ethylmethyl sulfone (EMS),dimethylsulfone, trimethylene sulfone, 1-methyltrimethylene sulfone(MTS), ethyl-sec-butyl sulfone (EsBS), ethyl-iso-butyl sulfone (EiBS),ethyl-iso-propyl sulfone (EiPS), and also 3,3,3-trifluoropropylmethylsulfone (FPMS).

Typically, the solvent or solvent mixtures with or without the additiveswere weighed and mixed according to specific ratios, then the lithium orzinc salt or mixture of lithium salts were weighed and dissolved in theabove solvent or solvent mixtures to achieve the desired concentration.

With purpose of illustration only, Table 3 lists some examples ofelectrolyte solutions prepared and tested. It should be noted that thecompositions disclosed in Table 3 may or may not be the optimumcompositions for the electrochemical devices in which they are intendedto be used, and they are not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention.

Table 3. Select Electrolyte Solutions

-   -   LiTFSI/Sulfolane (1M)    -   Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O (1/15.87 by mol)    -   Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/15.06/0.53 by mol)    -   Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/13.11/1.78 by mol)    -   Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/10.62/3.38 by mol)    -   Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/7.46/5.54 by mol)    -   Zn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/2.95/8.46 by mol)

EXAMPLE 2 Fabrication and Galvanostatic Testing of a Zn/Zn SymmetricCell with the Proposed Electrolyte

This example summarizes the general procedure of the assembly of a Zn/Znsymmetric cell. A piece of glass fiber separator was sandwiched betweena Zn foil anode and a piece of Zn foil cathode. The Zn/Zn cell was thenactivated by soaking the separator with the electrolyte solutions asprepared in Example 1 and sealed with an appropriate means.

The fabricated symmetric cells were subject to galvanostatic cycling. Inthis test, symmetric cells were cycled with current and areal capacityof 0.5 mA/cm² , 0.5 mAh/cm² and 1 mA/cm² , 1 mAh/cm², respectively, at25° C.

As example for the purpose of illustration, FIGS. 2A and 2B show thevoltage over time for a Zn/Zn symmetric cell cycling withZn(TFSI)₂/H₂O/Sulfolane (1/10.62/3.38 by mol) at room temp (˜25 ° C.)with 0.5 mA/cm², 0.5 mAh/cm² (FIG. 2A) and 1 mA/cm², 1 mAh/cm² (FIG.2B).

EXAMPLE 3 Fabrication and Galvanostatic Testing of a Cu/Zn Cell with theProposed Electrolyte

This example summarizes the general procedure of the assembly of a Cu/Zncell. Here, a piece of glass fiber separator was sandwiched between a Znfoil anode and a piece of Cu foil cathode. The Cu/Zn cell was thenactivated by soaking the separator with the electrolyte solutions asprepared in Example 1 and sealed with appropriate means.

The fabricated cells were subject to galvanostatic testing on Znstripping/plating Coulombic efficiency (CE). In this test, Cu wasconditioned by plating (0.5 mA/cm², 5 mAh/cm²) and stripping Zn (0.5 V)during the first cycle. Then a Zn reservoir with a capacity of 5 mAh/cm²(Q_(t)) was built on the substrate metal by using the same currentdensity used for the following cycling. 0.5 mA/cm² was used forstripping and plating Zn during the following 9 cycles. A capacity oflmAh/cm² (Q_(c)) Zn was plated or stripped in each cycle. In the finalstep, a capacity (Q_(s)) was observed when plated Zn was stripped bycharging to 0.5 V. The average CE is calculated based on the followingEquation 1:

$\begin{matrix}{{CE} = \frac{{9{Qc}} + {Qs}}{{9{Qc}} + {Qt}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

As example for the purpose of illustration, the summarized CE results ofCu/Zn cells in the selected electrolyte were shown in FIG. 3.

EXAMPLE 4 Fabrication and Galvanostatic Testing of a Na₂V₆O₁₆.1.63 H₂O(HNVO)/Zn Full Cell with the Proposed Electrolyte

This example summarizes the general procedure of the assembly of aHNVO/Zn full cell. Here, a piece of glass fiber separator was sandwichedbetween a Zn foil anode and a piece of HNVO cathode with Ti foil as acurrent collector. The HNVO/Zn cell was then activated by soaking theseparator with the electrolyte solutions as prepared in Example 1 andsealed with appropriate means.

The fabricated cells were subject to galvanostatic cycling. In thistest, HNVO/Zn cells were cycled with current of 300 mA/g (mass of HNVO)between 0.2 and 1.6 V at 30° C.

As example for the purpose of illustration, the galvanostatic cyclingresults of HNVO/Zn cells in the selected electrolyte were shown in FIG.4.

Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using nomore than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrochemical cell comprising: two or more electrodes operably connected to an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution containing: an aliphatic or cyclic sulfone; and a metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt, wherein the metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt has a total molar mass >200 g/mol.
 2. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, wherein the aliphatic or cyclic sulfone is Tetramethylene sulfone (sulfolane), Trimethylene sulfone (TriMS), 1-Methyltrimethylene sulfone (MTS), Ethylmethyl sulfone (EMS), Ethyl-sec-butyl sulfone (EsBS), Ethyl-iso-butyl sulfone (EiBS), Ethyl-iso-propyl sulfone (EiPS), Trifluoropropylmethyl sulfone (FPMS), Dimethylsulfone, Methanesulfonyl fluoride, or a combination thereof.
 3. The electrochemical cell according to claim 2, wherein the electrolyte solution further comprises water.
 4. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, wherein the metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt comprises Li, Na, Zn, Mg, Ca, or Al.
 5. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, wherein the metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt is Lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTF SI), Lithium bis(perfluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), Sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI), Magnesium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Mg(TFSI)₂, Zinc bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide Zn(TFSI)₂, or combinations thereof.
 6. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, wherein the metal perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide salt is present in the electrolyte solution at a concentration of between 0.1M and 10M.
 7. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, further comprising a separator positioned at least partially between the electrodes.
 8. The electrochemical cell according to claim 7, wherein the separator is a porous polyolefin or glass microfiber separator, a polymer separator that is gellable with the electrolytes, or a ceramic or glass solid electrolyte separator.
 9. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, further comprising an additive which is present in the electrolyte solution in an amount of between 0.01% and 10% by weight.
 10. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, wherein the electrochemical cell is configured to output at a voltage greater than 3.0 V.
 11. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, wherein the electrochemical cell is a battery, a capacitor, a supercapacitor, or an electrolysis cell. 